"Luo Chuan."
"What does Your Majesty, Heavenly Phoenix want to discuss with Gu Yue?"
Yuanen Yehui cradled the Little Vajra Baboon in her hands while directing her gaze at Tang Luochuan. She blinked curiously as she spoke.
"Probably some internal matters of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda. I'm not entirely sure either."
Upon hearing this, Tang Luochuan shook his head lightly. He wasn't a mind reader who could decipher Leng Yaozhu's thoughts, so he naturally didn't know the current situation.
"Is that so..."
"Then it must be something good."
Yuanen Yehui nodded and muttered under her breath.
"Probably."
Tang Luochuan responded softly with a smile.
"Teacher, you mean..."
Meanwhile, standing beside Leng Yaozhu, Gu Yue's expression had darkened. She hesitated, her words trailing off.
Hearing the other party tell her to "be more mindful," she had already guessed what this conversation would be about.
After all, the person before her was over a hundred years old and had far more emotional experience than she did. It was possible she had encountered similar situations before.
"Correct."
"Exactly what you're thinking."
Leng Yaozhu nodded, unsurprised by Gu Yue's reaction. Indeed, Yue'er's intelligence was no less than her own!
As she spoke, she gently patted Gu Yue's shoulder, her expression tinged with emotion. Perhaps, given Gu Yue's talent, she might not regard others highly.
But to keep Luo Chuan by her side, talent alone was far from enough.
"But..."
"That shouldn't be possible, right?"
Gu Yue hesitated, her gaze drifting toward Tang Luochuan and Yuanen Yehui in the distance. Her tone faltered.
Two boys who seemed to get along well—their relationship should still fall within the bounds of normal friendship. Surely it couldn't be what she was imagining.
"There's nothing impossible about it."
"Gu Yue, you know as well as I do that your dear sister Na'er also shares a close relationship with Luo Chuan. You two are sisters, let alone someone else now."
"It's only natural for others to take an interest in Luo Chuan."
Leng Yaozhu took a deep breath and spoke earnestly.
If even sisters could compete, what more of other members of the opposite sex? Someone as sought-after as Luo Chuan would naturally attract many admirers.
Yes, the opposite sex. At this moment, the two of them were completely on different wavelengths.
Of course, she had seen through Yuanen Yehui's disguise. Though the other party concealed it skillfully, given her current strength, it was effortless to see through.
"But that's still..."
Gu Yue fell silent, feeling a headache coming on. She couldn't help but murmur under her breath. If things really were as she feared, the situation would become far more complicated.
"This teacher's words remain the same."
"Nothing is impossible."
Leng Yaozhu shook her head lightly and spoke slowly.
"..."
Gu Yue could only force herself to acknowledge the words, her eyes flickering with contemplation. Whether it was true or not, the current circumstances warranted her close attention.
After all, if it really turned out that way, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Let's head back."
Only then did Leng Yaozhu smile. She still hoped to see her disciple and the boy she liked get along well.
"Your Majesty, Heavenly Phoenix, Gu Yue, you're back."
When the two returned to Tang Luochuan and Yuanen Yehui, the latter pair immediately greeted them with smiles.
"Mhm."
Leng Yaozhu also responded with a smile, though Gu Yue's expression remained somewhat unsettled as she stayed silent.
"Your Majesty, Heavenly Phoenix, regarding this Diamond Ape Soul Spirit..."
"How much Federal currency would it cost?"
At this moment, Yuanen Yehui couldn't help but speak up, her gaze shifting to the little creature in her hands as she asked.
The quality of the Diamond Ape was undoubtedly exceptional. Earlier, she had been too focused on absorbing this Soul Spirit to consider its price until now. Such a Soul Spirit...
Even if it were merely at the thousand-year level, it would surely be exorbitantly expensive!
Although her personal savings were substantial, it would be embarrassing if she couldn't afford the Soul Spirit...
"Normally, it would be thirty million Federal currency."
Leng Yaozhu smiled faintly and spoke slowly.
"Thirty million..."
Yuanen Yehui's expression stiffened.
Her eyes fell on the card reader nearby, her face now tinged with contemplation. She had expected it to be expensive, but this price was truly beyond her means.
Thirty million!
Even after years of part-time work at Shrek Academy—designing Mecha blueprints for others, serving as a challenger for freshman assessments, and other side jobs—she had only managed to save just over ten million.
She couldn't even afford a thousand-year-level Soul Spirit? But at a time like this, she couldn't possibly borrow money from Luo Chuan and Gu Yue, could she?
"But since you're friends with Yue'er and Luo Chuan..."
"Let's make it a 40% discount. Eighteen million will suffice."
As if sensing Yuanen Yehui's dilemma, Leng Yaozhu paused briefly before speaking calmly.
"Huh?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Hearing this, Yuanen Yehui was momentarily stunned before hurriedly pulling out her Gold card to complete the payment, expressing her gratitude.
With the discount, the price was just within her budget—though barely enough.
"You're welcome."
"There's a room right over there, prepared specifically for Soul Masters attempting the tower challenge. Since you've chosen this Soul Spirit, why not absorb it sooner rather than later?"
Leng Yaozhu spoke, her gaze settling on the Diamond Ape, causing the little creature to tremble and lower its head instantly.
It wasn't intelligent.
But it certainly knew how terrifying a powerhouse could be!
"Follow me."
Leng Yaozhu merely chuckled at its reaction and led the group toward the room.
"This..."
"Yes, Your Majesty, Heavenly Phoenix."
Yuanen Yehui was momentarily taken aback by the suggestion but quickly nodded and followed. Clearly, she had been eager to absorb this top-tier Soul Spirit all along.
Once inside the room, she wasted no time, immediately sitting cross-legged and staring at the Diamond Ape in her hands, her face alight with anticipation.
"I wonder..."
"Just how much stronger I'll become after absorbing this Soul Spirit!"
Yuanen Yehui took a deep breath, unable to help imagining the possibilities. The Diamond Ape's Berserk skill was something she looked forward to immensely.
Soon, she pushed aside her thoughts, relaxed her mind, and devoted herself fully to absorbing the Soul Spirit.
"Yue'er, Luo Chuan."
"You two can head back with your friend later. I won't stay with you any longer."
Nearby, Leng Yaozhu looked at Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue with a gentle smile. Before leaving, however, she cast a meaningful glance in Gu Yue's direction, which the latter instantly understood.
"Goodbye, Your Majesty, Heavenly Phoenix."
Tang Luochuan responded cheerfully, though his expression shifted slightly when his gaze returned to Gu Yue.
"Gu Yue, what's wrong with you?"
He couldn't help but ask softly, his face filled with curiosity. At this moment, Gu Yue was silently gazing in his direction, completely lost in thought.
"Luo Chuan."
"I want to ask you something."
Hearing his voice, Gu Yue quickly snapped out of her thoughts, but her eyes remained fixed on him. Her expression was far from calm as she pursed her lips, hesitating as if struggling to find the right words.
"Hmm?"
"Just say it."
Tang Luochuan responded with a composed expression. Given their relationship, there was truly nothing they couldn't discuss.
"Suppose, just suppose."
"If a boy... let's say, Xie Xie liked you and wanted to pursue you, would you agree?"
Gu Yue took a deep breath, her eyes locked onto him as she asked softly. Perhaps her example wasn't the most accurate, but the general idea was clear enough.
"Huh?"
"What?"
Tang Luochuan's expression froze in shock, momentarily speechless, his brows furrowing tightly.
Gu Yue, are you even listening to what you're saying?!
Who, Xie Xie? That kid with the thick eyebrows and big eyes?!
"Gu Yue."
"What on earth is going on in that little head of yours?"
Tang Luochuan took a deep breath and stepped forward, gently tapping her on the head, his heart anything but calm.
Had he gone mad, or had Xie Xie?
"No changing the subject."
"You have to answer my question."
Gu Yue shook her head lightly, her expression serious. Admittedly, her example was a bit strange...
But this matter was far too important. If it were a girl, she might not have been so flustered, but this was a boy!
She needed an answer now.
Otherwise, waiting even a day or a few more might lead to unforeseen problems!
"..."
"Gu Yue, whether it's Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi, or even Wu Lin, none of them would ever engage in a homosexual relationship. You can rest assured, alright?"
Tang Luochuan spoke slowly, a hint of helplessness in his expression.
He might be flirtatious or even a bit of a romantic, but he would never be involved in a homosexual relationship!
As for Xie Xie...
Surely his good buddy wouldn't do something like that, right?
Xie Xie: "Meow meow meow?"
"Hmm..."
"I think so too."
Hearing this, Gu Yue finally responded softly, a relaxed smile appearing on her face as she spoke more calmly now.
This was the Luo Chuan she knew!
However, while Luo Chuan had passed this test, that Yuanen... still needed further observation!
As she thought this, her gaze drifted silently toward Yuanen Yehui, who was absorbing a Soul Spirit, her eyes filled with contemplation.
"Gu Yue..."
Following Gu Yue's line of sight, Tang Luochuan looked toward Yuanen Yehui. Was it her presence that had sparked Gu Yue's wild thoughts?
But in reality, he hadn't been particularly close to her, let alone... Yehui was a girl!
"Later, I should introduce Yehui to everyone in her true form..."
Tang Luochuan murmured to himself. At the very least, Gu Yue needed to know the truth.
"..."
Half an hour later, Yuanen Yehui finished absorbing the Soul Spirit and quickly opened her eyes, her face brimming with unconcealable joy.
"Luo Chuan! I've successfully absorbed the Soul Spirit."
She stood up, her face filled with excitement, and playfully approached Tang Luochuan, whispering softly.
Now, after absorbing the Diamond Ape Soul Spirit, she had finally obtained the Diamond Ape's best Soul Skill—Berserk.
Fourth Soul Skill, Berserk: increases all attributes by 80% and damage by 200%.
This boost was undoubtedly terrifying! From now on, the combat power of her Titan Giant Ape Spirit would be greatly enhanced.
Not only that, but because the compatibility between her Martial Soul and the Diamond Ape was so high, she had even gained an additional level of cultivation! And all of this was thanks to Luo Chuan.
"Hmm?"
"That's really great..."
Hearing this, Tang Luochuan smiled, but before he could finish speaking, she suddenly rushed forward, pressing her soft body into his arms.
"Huh?"
"Ye Hui, you..."
Tang Luochuan froze in surprise.
"Luo Chuan."
"Thank you."
Yuanen Yehui's face flushed as she whispered.
Ever since she had met him, whether it was helping her out of trouble at the beginning or now bringing her to challenge the tower, he had done so much for her.
It had been so long since anyone had treated her this well, so long since anyone had extended a helping hand to her...
She wanted to hug him, even if just for a moment.
"You're welcome."
"But, could you let go first..."
Tang Luochuan shook his head gently. Gu Yue had already been overthinking things because of Ye Hui—if she came back from the bathroom and saw this, wouldn't that just...
"Luo Chuan, I'm back—"
"..."
At that moment, as the door to the room opened, Gu Yue's figure reappeared before them.
Seeing the scene in front of her, her originally serene smile instantly vanished, replaced by a dark expression as she silently clenched her fists.
"Yuanen..."
"What are you and Luo Chuan doing?!"
This...
Still nothing?!